In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the Aeotec Motion Sensor using an Amazon Echo device with a built-in Zigbee hub. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra visual support.

Click here for the YouTube video guide

Setting up the Motion Sensor:

Before setting up your motion sensor, make sure your Echo device has Zigbee hub capability, which is required for pairing. The motion sensor comes in three separate parts: a magnetic ball, a back plate, and the motion sensor unit. These sensors are compact and versatile, allowing them to be placed almost anywhere in your home for added convenience and accessibility.

1. Insert the magnetic ball into the groove on the back plate. You should feel it snap securely into place.
2. Pull the battery tab labeled “Remove when connecting” from the motion sensor to activate the battery.
3. Double-check that the battery is securely in place.
4. Slide the back plate into the motion sensor unit, using the grooves as guides. Push until you hear a click, which means it’s secured.
5. Look for the LED light on the front of the motion sensor. It should flash green and red to indicate it’s in pairing mode.
6. If the LED is not flashing, use a thin object (like a pin or paperclip) to press the reset pinhole on the back of the motion sensor until the light begins flashing.

Pairing the Device:

To pair the motion sensor with your Echo device, follow these steps in the Alexa app:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap “Device”.
4. Scroll all the way down and select “Other”.
5. Tap “Zigbee”.
6. Tap “Discover Devices”.
7. Wait for Alexa to find the motion sensor. This can take up to a minute.
8. When found, tap “Next”.
9. Select the area you’ll use the plug in, such as the living room or kitchen.
10. Tap “Add to Group”.
11. Tap “Continue”, then “Done”. You will rename it in the next step.

Name and Test the Sensor:

Once your sensor is paired, you can rename it and test its functionality using the Alexa app:

1. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left).
2. Tap the name Alexa gave your new sensor.
3. Tap the “Settings” icon (gear in the top right corner).
4. Tap “Edit Name” and change it to something easy to remember (e.g., “Living room motion sensor”).
5. Test with voice commands: “Alexa, turn on [name]” and “Alexa, turn off [name]”.

Creating a Routine:

The motion sensor does not trigger any actions on its own. To make it work properly, you need to create a routine in the Alexa app that tells it what to do when motion is detected.

Example Use: Play sound when motion is detected.
– Place the sensor near a door or a hallway.
– Create a routine in the Alexa app for when motion is detected, the doorbell sound from the Echo device will be played.

1. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left.)
2. Tap the name you gave your new sensor.
3. Tap “Create Routine” at the bottom of the page.
4. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new routine.
5. Under “When“, tap the “+” next to “Add an Event.”
6. Tap “Smart Home.”
7. Tap the name of the motion sensor.
8. Tap “Motion.”
9. Tap “Detected.”
10. Hit “Next” in the top right corner.
11. Under “Alexa Will“, tap the “+” next to “Add an Action.”
12. Scroll all the way down to the bottom and choose “Sounds.”
13. Tap “Bells and Buzzers.”
14. Tap “Doorbell 1.”
15. Under “Hear Alexa From“, tap the “+ Choose Device.”
16. Then tap the name of your Echo (e.g., “Daniel’s Echo”).
17. Tap “Save” to complete the routine.

Your routine is now set. Whenever the motion sensor detects movement, Alexa will play the doorbell sound as a chime.

You can also explore our full Smart AT Home Blog Series for more helpful tips. Be sure to check out the complete Ability Tools YouTube Smart AT Home Playlist for additional how-to videos and resources.